How to make the most of Granada Spain in 2023

Granada, located in the southern region of Spain, is a city that captivates visitors with its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. Home to the world-renowned Alhambra palace and the charming Albaicín neighbourhood, Granada offers an unparalleled experience for those seeking to immerse themselves in Spanish heritage. From exploring the winding streets of the old town to savouring traditional tapas at local taverns, this article will guide you on how to make the most of your visit to Granada and ensure an unforgettable time in this enchanting city.

If you have limited time to spend visiting Granada, Spain this is how to make the most of your stay.

Granada is unlike many of the towns in the Andalucia region of Spain.  The Moorish influence is strong, it has a rich pulsating culture, the town is captivating, the rhythm of flamenco is everywhere around you, tapas bars abound and the town and its environs make a way into your heart like no other.  You will either return many times or its memory stays strong.  You can tell that we love Granada.

Can you visit Granada in two days? Yes, you can and we have the perfect 2-day Granada itinerary for you to enjoy the best of what the city has to offer.

If you have a week to spend in  Spain you can also add on Seville and Barcelona, both cities are vibrant and well worth a visit.

Climb aboard a unique city train in Granada and discover the city centre at your own pace. Hop on at any of the stops along 2 routes, and enjoy panoramic views from the specially designed train as it winds through the narrow streets of the Albaicin. Book here

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A little bit about Granada before you visit

Granada Spain Map

You may enjoy reading more about Granada written by a local, who made Granada his adopted home before you travel there.

A story of political intrigue, the Alhambra and how 3 religions managed to live together throughout the Spanish Middle Ages. How times change!

What an interesting past Granada has had! It reads like a political thriller with invasions from the Muslims in 711, becoming one of the richest cities in Europe,  to the Christians invasion in 1492 and the expulsion of Jews in the 17th century. Granada then declined in popularity during the latter part of the 17th century and then made a  revival during the Romantic movement in the 18th century. Granada has a medieval Moorish heritage.

Things to do in Granada Spain

#1 Granada Things To Do & See

Alhambra Granada

Alhambra Spain is one of the famous Spanish landmarks in Spain. Words escape the beauty of the complex.  With breathtaking views, outstanding architecture the Palace is nestled within lush and vibrant gardens.  It is worth every euro for the ticket your purchase.  No wonder it is #1 Granada’s tourist attraction. We suggest that you purchase Alhambra tickets called  ‘skip the line tickets’  as it gets busy, very busy and book as early as possible.  There are only so many tickets available each day.

The most important building in Granada is the Alhambra.  Originally it started out as a fortress, palace and small city during the 9th Century. When the  Nasrid Dynasty arrived in 1238 they started to renovate and add palaces to the original building.  When the Spanish King Ferdinand and his wife Queen Isabel conquered Granada in 1492 the Alhambra Granada became a Christian court. The building fell into repair during the late 18th century and early 19th century and was home to thieves, criminals and beggars, even the local gypsies.  In 1870 the Alhambra Spain was declared a national monument and in 1984 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Palace of the Lions was originally called the Palace of Heaven. It is one of the most famous areas within the Alhambra Palace.  The lion fountain throws jets of water.  The intricate details of the palace must be seen close up to appreciate the skills of the craftsmen and the beauty of their work.

The Gardens are impressive, some of the trees are between 400 – 500 years old.

To Travel Too Tip: Allow at least half a day.

For a selection of Alhambra tour options:

The Albacin

You can’t leave Granada without a wander through the old medieval Moorish area known as The Albacin.  High in the hills that look across to the Alhambra, you will wander through a maze of narrow winding cobbled streets.

When the Muslims were forced out by the Spanish, their Mosques in this neighbourhood were demolished and Christian Churches were constructed on their sites.  The Moors left behind their homes for the wealthy Christians to inhabit.

Muslims built their homes in narrow cobblestoned alleyways.  Enemy soldiers would get lost in the maze of the narrow winding streets and also it created shade when walking during the hot midday sun. Muslims would meet in the local Hammams (local baths) whereas Christians would meet in open squares.

When you are walking through the alleyways note the position of the doorways to each home, they will not face each other.  This was done for the privacy of the families.

One of the best ways to learn about the Albacin and the Sacromonte area (the caves where the gypsies live) is to take a 2.5-hour walking tour. For more information click here.

The Albacin is also the best area for shopping in Granada.

Museo San Juan de Dios – House of Pisa

In the 15th century, the Pisa family built Casa de Los Pisa.  Today their home is the Museum San Juan de Dios.  San Juan de Dios (St John of God) was born in Portugal in 1495.  He moved to Granada in Spain to care for the poor and founded the monastic order of the Brothers Hospitallers of St John of God.  He died in 1550 at the Casa and was canonised in 1690. The Pisa family preserved all of his furniture and his belongings and in the 19th century, the building was acquired by the Hospitaller Order of St John of God.

The Church holds the remains of San Juan de Dios which apparently has not yet decomposed.  The Museum contains a lot of paintings, furniture, porcelain and metalwork and the iconography of St John of God and is considered an important source of history.

The Central Courtyard and the Fountain is typical of the noble homes built in the Albaicin neighbourhood.
Address:  Calle de Convalencia 1

The Carmens of Granada

A Carmen is a house in Granada that has a garden – a country home in the bustling city of Granada built by the Moors. The Carmen House is surrounded by a wall for privacy, they contained gardens of vegetables, herbs and flowers. All Carmens were built on slopes with views across to the Alhambra.  The Muslim way of life in Granada, a small paradise in a city, the first paradise before their souls cross the 7 heavens before they reach their final heaven.

Unfortunately, the Christians demolished a lot of the Carmens to replace them with their own small palaces or noble homes.

Calle Caldereria Nueva Granada

Calle Caldereria Nueva – the most beautiful street in the Albacin area.  It is now full of tea houses and souvenir shops.  It links the top of the Albacin to the bottom.

Mercado San Augustine Granada

Located close to the Cathedral in Granada, this market covers 3 city blocks.  It is located on the old Convent site and was converted to a market in the 1970s. A great place to stop and sample the local Vermouth, olives, olive oil and artisan bread. The usual hubbub of locals shopping greets you as you enter the market.

Granada’s Cathedral

The Cathedral of Granada is classified as one of the largest in the world.  Funny enough, on our road trip through Spain each Cathedral we had come across had claimed the same title.  The first level is built in Gothic style, the 2nd floor in Renaissance style and one of the towers was not built due to lack of funds. There is a tour available that takes in a visit to the Cathedral and also the Royal Chapel.

The Cathedral dates back to 1523.  It has its entrance off the Calle Gran Via de Colon 5.

To Travel Too Tip

Beware of the gypsies in the area selling bunches of lavender.

Silk and Spice Market – The Alcaiceria Market – The Grand Bazaar of Granada

Established in the 14th century it was destroyed by fire during the 18th century and rebuilt in the Neo-Moorish style.  When first constructed the market was double the size it now is and for security for the stall holders and their goods it had 10 main entrance gates that were made out of iron.

Today there is little resemblance to the silk and spice market but a marketplace filled with local souvenirs.

Royal Chapel

Located next to the Cathedral is the Royal Chapel built during 1505 – 1517 in Flemish Gothic style. The Chapel contains the tomb of Isabella I of Castile and her husband Ferdinand II of Aragon.  In another tomb the remains of their daughter Joanna of Castle and her husband Philip I of Castile.

The external area surrounding the Royal Chapel was once the marketplace for traders.

Bodegas Castaneda

The famous oldest tapas bar in Granada that is frequented by locals as well as tourists.

The one place that you can enjoy a substantial free Tapas with your beer, wine or local vermouth.  It was buzzing at lunchtime and it was hard to find a table.

Address: c/-Almireceros 1 y 3 18010 Granada

Open from 11.30 am to 4.00 pm then from 7.00 pm.

Hotels in Granada Spain

One of the most favourite Granada Hotel 

Hotel Alhambra Palace: Arquitecto Garcia de Paredes 1, Centro-Sagrario, Granada

Alhambra Palace is located just outside the Alhambra’s ancient walls, offering spectacular views over the city of Granada. It features stylish rooms with Moorish-inspired décor, free Wi-Fi and satellite TV.

Guest review: The room was decorated beautifully and the beds were so comfortable. We had two decks that had amazing city views. The Alhambra Hotel was stunning and we felt very comfortable there.